Anomalies and Anatomic Variants of the Spleen

Ultrasonographic atlas of splenic lesions

“…Accessory spleen, which results from a failure of the embryonic splenic anlage to fuse and extreme lobulation that separates splenic tissue, is a normal variant observed in 10%-30% of individuals [ 7 ]. It is usually found around the splenic hilum or ligaments, pancreatic tail, or sometimes in the pancreatic parenchyma [ 7 ]. US reveals a small (1-3 cm), separated, well-circumscribed, round to oval mass with echogenicity identical to that of the spleen ( Fig.…”

“…Wandering spleen occurs when the spleen migrates from its normally fixed posterolateral location in the left upper abdomen. This condition can be both congenital and acquired, and lacks normal anchoring by the gastrosplenic and splenorenal ligaments [ 7 ]. US is a valuable modality to diagnose wandering spleen located in ectopic sites and to evaluate complications, including torsion and infarction ( Fig.…”

“…When complicated with torsion, an abnormally located hypoechoic spleen with a twisted vascular pedicle and decreased or absent perfusion on color Doppler US are characteristic findings [ 1 ]. In particular, real-time US is helpful for testing splenic hypermobility and vascular pedicle abnormalities [ 7 ].…”